'The Devon Suite'

Category: Miscellaneous | Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:43 am

I have a more serious musical side - sometimes, I'm afraid, maybe a little over emotional.

The problem is, I'm so in love with Devon. Returning here to live, which had always been a dream for decades, but one which never seemed to materialise for various reasons, was the biggest 'dream come true' for me.
Back in the 50's, before we left for South London to enter the adult world and step on the first rungs of our chosen careers, many happy childhood days were enjoyed playing on the beach, having adventures only kids in their pre-teen years appreciate fully. Secret hideouts in the woods, pretending to be this or that fictional hero. Great times.
A couple of months ago, my 'serious' side of composing music kicked in. I wanted to try to capture some of the love of Devon in music, and believe no-one has done anything in that respect.
So I set to on something I call 'The Devon Suite'...just a few musical sketches, finishing with 'An Anthem For Devon'.
For me, the pieces capture the beauty, fun, love, and a little past sadness of this part of the world.
I hope you enjoy listening to it, as much as I enjoyed composing it...

'The Devon Suite'

No. 1 'Climbing' high onto Exmoor, two streams start to trickle, toss and tumble towards a peaceful but sometimes turbulent marriage...remembering the disastrous floods at Lynmouth in 1952, claiming 34 lives...
http://www.box.net/shared/yg0knre0yz

No.2 'Gardens In The Sea', exploring the rock pools at Combe Martin beach...

http://www.box.net/shared/soynq02jj9

No.3 'The Cream Tea Trot'. Business is brisk at the Olde Village Tea Garden, under a warm June sun. The traditional Devonshire cream tea consists of scones, clotted cream and locally made strawberry jam...

http://www.box.net/shared/duts7ikzvs

No.4 'Departed Friend'. The last steam train bravely leaves Ilfracombe Station, forever...destination, the scrap yard...

http://www.box.net/shared/7tncticmbt

No.5 'An Anthem For Devon'...

'Of all the Shires I see,
My Devon shares most beauty,
Two arms of gold, embrace the still or stormy seas.

Whilst strolling Devon's paths,
The treasures she affords me,
With jewels set in time for all the world to see.

From fortressed harbour walls,
To purple hills, majesty towering.
Out spreads a tapestry,
A rich legacy most empowering.
I humbly hold her hand,
In landscape green and grand,
With love for thee.
Hoping ever...I'll forever,
Be.'
http://www.box.net/shared/0jbu6hvil7

Last edited: Thu Dec 13, 2007 9:00 am

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Comments

Droopy wrote on Thu Dec 13, 2007 9:07 am:

Devon is beautiful, I can't see why you shouldn't praise it in your music. I like your pieces.

Frank wrote on Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:09 pm:

You're very talented Pete, do you mind if I save these to my music collection?

Desert Rat wrote on Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:10 pm:

Bravo!!! Wonderful talent and great listening. I especially enjoyed Suite # 4. Much more, I think, than just the end of a train, but perhaps, the foretelling of the end of a way of life. Bravo again.
dr

devonpete wrote on Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:30 pm:

Thanks. Glad you like. Yes Frank, go ahead.
I don't mind admitting that I fill up whenever I listen to No.4 - just a soppy old sentimentalist I suppose. But that train used to carry me down to Devon for summer holidays as a kid. I loved it. And it's now all gone.

Desert Rat wrote on Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:02 pm:

and so it was the end of a way of life. That is what I felt most strongly from #4. I suppose that was partly from my younger days when I often rode the West Shore division of the New York Central RR, behind steam engines, also all now gone. Anyhow, it is a strong piece of work and well done.